David was destined to be king, and he and Jonathan planned to be side by side as David ruled. But that was not to be, for Jonathan and his brothers died with their father on Mount Gilboa at the hands of the Philistines. David was crushed with sorrow. In grief he wrote a lament, and commanded that all the men of Judah be taught it. The lament ends with these words: How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
“ I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished! (2 Samuel 1:25-27).” That David felt Jonathan’s love was “more wonderful than that of women” would not have been said if he had a good monogamous marriage! This is testimony to the poverty of his relationships with his wives, an inevitable result of the sin of multiplying wives (cf. Deuteronomy 17:17).
However, there is no hint of sensuality here, but simply a celebration of a deep friendship — Jonathan’s mutuality of soul, Jonathan’s commitment, Jonathan’s loyalty, and Jonathan’s encouragement — elements David would never know in any other relationship. David and Jonathan’s friendship shows us what a deep friendship can and ought to be. C. S. Lewis said, “Friendship . . . is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all others.”6 This is certainly what the friendship of David and Jonathan does for us. It reveals the beauties that can be ours in a deep male relationship grounded in God and sets the standard for all deep friendships.
SELAH! TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN.
References:
The Living Bible
Discipline of a Godly Man( Book by Kent Hughes)
Evangelist Eric Musa:
(My message continuously: If you are not saved: Believe, accept, receive and confess Christ Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as it is written; “NOW is the acceptable time, TODAY is the day of SALVATION.- 2 Cor 6:2”. For prayers, devotion, and to support the ministry contact Evangelist on +254722157300 ( Email: EMEA.ericmusa@gmail.com). Remember, God Loves you and I unconditionally, perfectly and always: SHALOM
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